Repository logo
 

Evidence of a structural quantum critical point in (CaxSr1-x)3Rh4Sn13 from a lattice dynamics study

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Cheung, YW 
Hu, YJ 
Imai, M 
Tanioku, Y 
Kanagawa, H 

Abstract

Approaching a quantum critical point (QCP) has been an effective route to stabilize superconductivity. While the role of magnetic QCPs has been extensively discussed, similar exploration of a structural QCP is scarce due to the lack of suitable systems with a continuous structural transition that can be conveniently tuned to 0~K. Using inelastic X-ray scattering, we examine the phonon spectrum of the nonmagnetic quasi-skutterudite (CaxSr1−x)3Rh4Sn13, which represents a precious system to explore the interplay between structural instabilities and superconductivity by tuning the Ca concentration x. We unambiguously detect the softening of phonon modes around the M point on cooling towards the structural transition. Intriguingly, at x=0.85, the soft mode energy squared at the M point extrapolates to zero at (−5.7±7.7)~K, providing the first compelling microscopic evidence of a structural QCP in (CaxSr1−x)3Rh4Sn13. The enhanced phonon density-of-states at low energy provides the essential ingredient for realizing strong-coupling superconductivity near the structural QCP.

Description

Keywords

cond-mat.supr-con, cond-mat.supr-con, cond-mat.str-el

Journal Title

Physical Review B

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2469-9950
2469-9969

Volume Title

98

Publisher

American Physical Society (APS)
Relationships
Is supplemented by: